Obituary of Edward Jack Smith

UNADILLA, NY – Edward Jack Smith, 67, of Sidney, died Monday, May 25th, 2015, Memorial Day of a heart attack after proudly marching in Sidney's local parade. Ed was born September 12th, 1947 to the late Marvin Storm Smith and Ethel Mae (Rogers) Smith in Suffern, NY. He attended Spring Valley High School, graduating in 1965 and was drafted by the NY Yankees farm team in Oneonta. One of his biggest thrills was relating times he got to "shag balls" with the greats – Mantle, Marist and DiMaggio. Before he had a chance to know if he'd ever make a big league first baseman, the Vietnam War began and he was drafted into the US Army, 1st Cavalry in October 1966. Ed suffered a gunshot wound that nearly severed his right arm on what is familiarly referred to as "Hamburger Hill" where they lost most of the members of the unit he served with in one day. Honorably discharged in June 1968, he was decorated with the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Purple Heart. When Ed returned home, he went to work alongside his father at Gus's Sawmill in Emerson, NJ. He married his first wife and had two beautiful children. They later divorced. One of Ed's early passions besides baseball was his love of Country music. He began singing all over Rockland County with a group called the "Country Cut-Ups." They performed all the old time country, and were extremely popular. Ed loved performing Johnny Cash, Porter Wagner, Don Williams, and also for a short time became an Elvis impersonator. He counted among his many blessings, having been able to meet and sing with Dolly Parton in a friends' basement recording studio, before she was "Dolly." Ed worked for many years for Raimondo's Construction in Fort Lee, NJ until a heart attack limited his hours. After recovering, he went to work for Gourmet Meat & Seafood in Queens as their warehouse manager. In 1996, Ed had quadruple bypass surgery, and while recovering from that, journeyed upstate to visit his father in Norwich. It was while here that he re-met his second wife, Amanda. In August 1997, their official first date was the Garth Brook's concert in Central Park and where their love story began. Married on Halloween, October 31st, 1998, they had a true costume wedding at the Major's Inn in Gilberstville. In 1999, the couple purchased their current home, a barn they converted with the assistance of the bride's youngest brother. For the past 14 years, they have been breeding and raising paint horses at Amandaland "Achers." Ed also worked for Lambrecht Auctions in Walton, fully retiring in 2010, but continued his other "career" of "Head Manureanologist," until his death. In addition to being a member of the VFW and the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans, Ed was an active, contributing member of the Greater Maywood Rural Community Services, Inc – the group that purchased the former Sidney Center Elementary school. Ed was an avid hunter, with a love for the outdoors. He and his wife also loved to travel. Cancun was his favorite vacation destination where they once swam with Jaguars, but Europe was also "home" to them, especially Brussels and Paris. Ed is survived by his loving bride, Amanda (Heaney); daughter and son-in-law, Lori & Scott Bell, Warwick, NY; son, Edward and his partner, Honey Thompson and their children Edward and Kyla, Spring Valley, NY; Sister, Judy & Freddy Conklin, Preston Park, PA; step-brother, Chuck & Cindy Davenport, Oxford, NY; brothers-in-law, Brian Heaney, Franklin; Craig Heaney, Sidney, NY; Mother-in-law, Sunnie Linabery and her beau, Stan White, many nieces, nephews, grand nieces/nephews and so many friends. Ed also leaves behind his beloved "Jazzy," his sweet dog, and all the couples' other four legged "children." Friends are invited to call from 4 – 7 pm, Thursday, June 4th at C.H. Landers Funeral Home at 21 Main St, Sidney, NY. Funeral services will be at 11:30am, Friday, June 5th, also at Landers, with the Reverend Paul Hamilton of the First Presbyterian Church of Unadilla, officiating. Because Ed's wishes were to be cremated, there will be no graveside service. However, immediately following the services at Landers, the military portion of the service will be conducted at the American Legion – Union St, Sidney. At its' conclusion all are invited to join the family for a luncheon celebrating the life of this truly amazing man. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ed's memory may be made to the Sidney American Legion, the VFW or the Wounded Warrior Project. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.landersfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, Sidney.